40+ Of The Best Luau Party Ideas
Selection of luau party ideas that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Find simple ideas for food, drinks and decorations to suit a small budget. Kids will love the bright colors and fun party accessories.
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A luau party is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. It’s a great summer birthday party theme which is perfect to be held in the backyard. If you have a pool in the yard, you can also incorporate lots of other pool party ideas into the luau party.
This theme is perfect for those that want to have a bright and virbant party. It’s something that everyone can enjoy.
What Is A Luau?
So you have heard the term luau, but you are not exactly sure what it means?
Put quite simply, A luau (Hawaiian: lūʻau) is a traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian party or feast which is normally accompanied by entertainment. Traditional food is served along with lively music and games. Think hula dancing!
A luau party is a celebration with family and friends, is beautiful, energetic and a lot of fun.
What Should I Wear To A Luau Party?
If you are invited or holding a luau party, be sure to wear something comfortable and appropriate for the theme.
A tropical dress or skirt is perfect for girls and a tropical shirt for boys. A headband and bracelet of of fake flowers would finish the outfit off perfectly.
Traditionally people wear a Hawaiian lei which is the famous flower necklace.
It is also possible to make a few items to wear which could also be used to hand out as party favors, or have a craft station for the kids during the party.
Tissue Paper Lei
Source: Smart Party Planning
This tissue paper lei is incredibly easy to make and also a lot cheaper than buying them. The fact that they are quick to make, also means that it is a great idea to use as an activity at a kids party.
The kids would love making them and then wearing their creation for the remainder of the party.
Candy Lei
Source: Tikkido
Another way to make a great party lei is to turn it into a candy lei. This would be a super fun lei that I’m pretty sure the kids would be keen to wear. They would also make a great party favor for the kids to take home.
Flower Crown
Source: Raising Whasians
A flower crown is the perfect accompaniment to a Luau outfit. Not only does this flower crown look amazing, but it can be created with a minimal $5 spend!
Luau Party Decoration Ideas
Tropical Party Printables
Source: Smart Party Planning
I’ve said it before, but I always love how printable’s can be easily used to set a scene with very little effort. I created these tropical party printable’s for my daughter’s tropical party, but they can easily be used for a Luau party.
How To Build A Tiki Bar
Source: The Purple Pumpkin Blog
If you really want to wow your guests, then building a Tiki bar would certainly be a great way to go about it.
By simply using old pallets, this bar is easy to build and it can be used over and over again after the party has finished.
Crepe Paper Flowers
Source: DIY Candy
Would you like to make some crepe paper flowers for your Luau display in less than 5 minutes? This tutorial is for you!
Have an evening in front of the television making some flowers and you suddenly have some amazing Luau party decorations.
Flip Flops Door Hanger
Source: Ann’s Entitled Life
This door hanger makes a great display for either the wall or the door. It’s easy to make, it’s cheap to make and it looks fantastic. It would certainly help to create the Luau vibe.
Beach Glass Lanterns
Source: Organized 31
These beach glass lanterns would be perfect to have all over your party area. Adding a candle inside the jar would bring the lanterns to life and create an instant Luau vibe.
Luau Party Food Ideas
A party isn’t a party without food. These ideas have been broken down into sweet treats, savory dishes and cocktails and mocktails. All the ideas are easy to recreate.
Tropical Leaf Cupcakes
Source: Smart Party Planning
These tropical leaf cupcakes are super easy to make and they look absolutely amazing. A simple fondant leaf on top of the cupcake is easy to recreate and the fondant and buttercream together simply tastes delicious.
Pina Colada Cupcakes
Source: Food Folks and Fun
Pina colada cupcakes. Think coconut pineapple base with a coconut cream frosting and topped with toasted coconut, pineapples and maraschino cherries. Do I have your attention? I thought so!
These cupcakes wouldn’t last long at a party that’s for sure.
Crushed Pineapple Cupcakes
Source: Mama Cheaps
Pineapple screams Hawaii, which makes these the perfect cupcake to make for a Luau party. The bright, mouth watering cupcake would look amazing on the party table. Be sure to also download the free cupcake topper to complete the look.
Tropical Flower Cookies
Source: Smart Party Planning
These tropical flower cookies are so simple but also so effective. The sugar flower in the middle of the cookie is the only color that is needed to bring these cookies to life.
Key Lime Coconut Parfait Trifle
Source: A Hundred Affections
A key lime coconut parfait trifle makes the perfect summer dessert and would be enjoyed at a luau party. This is a refreshing and punchy trifle and is also incredibly easy to make.
Savory Luau Party Food
If you would like to prepare some more substantial food to serve to guests, then these following recipes would be perfect for you.
- Hawaiian Coleslaw – The Farm Girl Gabs
- Hawaiian Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe – Happy Mothering
- Hawaiian Pasta Salad – Recipes From A Pantry
- Sweet Honey Chicken Kabobs – The Country Chic Cottage
- Coconut Shrimp With Pineapple Salsa – Mighty Mrs
- Instant Pot Kalua Pork – Cooking With Curls
- Hawaiian Shrimp Rice Bowl – The Farm Girl Gabs
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pork – Organized 31
Cocktails & Mocktails
There is something here for the kids and the adults. One thing that they all have in common is that they are delicious and fruity, perfect for a Luau party.
- Hawaiian Sangria Mocktail – Organized 31
- Virgin Pina Colada – Food Folks and Fun
- Tropical Mocktail – Oh My Sugar High
- Dole Whip Smoothie – The Farm Girl Gabs
- Hawaiian Margarita Cocktail – The Purple Pumpkin Blog
- Blue Lagoon Cocktail – Mom Foodie
- White Sangria – DIY Candy
- Mai Tai Cocktail – Cooking With Curls
What Do You Do At A Luau Party?
There are SO many fun things that you can do at a Luau party. There are lots of fun luau party games including;
- Tiki Torch Ring Toss – Place Tiki torches in the ground and have the kids throw rings over the torches.
- Flip Flop Toss – Place hula hoops on the ground. Kids have to flip their flip flops off their feet and into the hula hoops.
- Coconut Roll – Place Hula Hoops on the ground and have the kids try to roll the coconuts into the hula hoops to win points.
- Coconut Bowling – Instead of using a ball to knock down the skittles, use a coconut.
- Hula Hoop Race – Divide the kids into teams. Have the kids hold hands and get them to move the hula hoop over their bodies from one end of the line and back again without letting go of each other’s hands.
- Pass The Coconut – Have the kids sit in a circle and play some music. The child holding the coconut when the music stops is out. Keep going until you have a winner.
- Limbo – Always a favorite with the kids.
- Musical Beach Towels – Play the same rules as musical chairs but use towels instead of chairs.
Summer Bingo Cards
Source: Play. Party. Plan
There are 20 summer bingo cards ready for you to download and enjoy. This is a fantastic game to play when you have a number of people together and the kids will absolutely love it.
Utilizing these Luau party ideas you will be able to hold a party that everyone is going to enjoy. If they didn’t have a smile on their face before the party started, then they definitely will afterwards.
This is an easy party to prepare, and certainly one that will brighten your day.
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